The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is celebrating 25 years of North American tours. The performance has become an annual tradition for University Arts Series subscribers and the WVU community. This season’s performance is set for Dec. 1, at the WVU Creative Arts Center. Tickets are on sale at the Mountainlair and CAC box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 304-293-7469 and 800-745-3000.

 

The Great Russian Nutcracker is set to Tchaikovsky’s famous score and tells the familiar story of Clara (Masha in the Russian version) and her nutcracker prince as seen through young Clara’s fanciful dream of a holiday party visited by a mouse king and sugarplum fairies.

 

Moscow Ballet’s 40 classically-trained dancers will wow the audience with their exquisite artistry. The ballet is set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery that includes a 50 ft. Christmas tree that will appear to grow before the audience’s eyes.

 

This performance will also feature an appearance by the Dove of Peace, a Moscow Ballet exclusive. Two dancers perform together to form the magnificent dove who greets Clara and her Prince in the Land of Peace and Harmony in the ballet’s second act.

 

Lewis Segal of the Los Angeles Times says the Great Russian Nutcracker appeals to all … “city dwellers and small-town citizens, ‘tweens to pensioners, ballet aficionados and families … it’s disarmingly poetic.”

 

Tickets for the Dec. 1, performance at the CAC start at $50 for the general public and at $24 for WVU Students. Tickets are on sale now at the Mountainlair and CAC box offices, online at ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 304-293-SHOW (7469) and 800-745-3000. WVU Student discounted tickets are limited to one per valid WVU Student ID or offer code. Discounted rates for groups of 20 or more are available by calling 304-293-SHOW (7469).

                                                           

The University Arts Series is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment and presented by University Toyota. Stay connected with the latest event updates through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by following @wvuevents.